AIA KY - COVID-19 Communications

APRIL 30, 2020

We officially have our first glimpse into the phased reopening that we have all been eagerly awaiting, but this comes with significant responsibility and requires foresight. This week's update includes valuable resources to keep you in the know and moving forward, including AIA Kentucky's "Healthy at Work Framework".

In his address last night, the governor announced that professional services who have been working remotely may begin a phased reopening on May 11. As requested on his Healthy at Work website, AIA Kentucky's staff and executive committee have taken the initiative to submit a reopen proposal based on the feedback received from member firms.*

While we recognize that there cannot be a "one size fits all" solution, it is our hope that compiling and submitting this proposal will aid our firms in developing sensible strategies for returning to the office when it has been deemed safe to do so. Find the entire "Healthy at Work Framework" submitted to the governor here .

*Note that companies who are represented by an association are asked NOT to submit separate proposals for their individual business. Instead, they are encouraged to provide all input to the association as they craft a proposal on their behalf. More FAQs

RESOURCES

**AIA KY members are continuing to share and learn on our new community discussion board - Join Here!

Check our COVID-19 Resource Page often for new info such as:

6 Feet Office Concept

OSHA's Guide for preparing your workplace during COVID-19

Virtual tours available

And check our web calendar and AIAU for free educational opportunities, such as:

Apr. 30 - Webinar on Rapid-Response Housing in Pandemic Environments

May 4 - Webinar: Toward Zero-Carbon Housing

May 12 - Webinar, Architecture in a Time of Pandemic: Professional Practice Issues & COVID-19
Webinar with AIA Chief Economist - Economic Impact on and outlook for Architects

Our June Code Workshops are going virtual! Stay tuned for registration info, coming next week.

Business Planning

The post COVID-19 workplace will strengthen the connection between the physical environment and wellness more than ever before. This article by WorkDesign Magazine helps employers, property owners, and facility managers prepare for the new mindset.

What can COVID-19 teach us about climate change?

While the global community's most urgent challenge is stopping COVID-19, experts find instructive parallels between the pandemic crisis and the climate crisis. Read more here .

AXP and ARE

Preparing for the Architect Registration Exam? AIA is offering free access to ArchiPrep® for Associate AIA members through August. If you need experience hours, AIAU's Emerge series is also free for Associate AIA members.

Support architecture students through May 5

During this critical time, scholarships for architecture students and emerging professionals are needed more than ever. In recognition of Giving Tuesday Now, you can donate through May 5 to support the Architects Foundation .

RELIEF

Lesser-known provisions within the CARES Act may provide a big tax break at the end of the year for architecture firms organized as sole-proprietorships, partnerships, or S-Corps. Read the full article here.

Congress approves additional relief funding:

The Paycheck Protection Program Increase Act of 2020 provides additional funding for the small business loans included in the CARES Act. Details can be found here.

Support architecture students through May 5

We hope that each of you is continuing to stay safe and healthy as conditions continue to improve and involve. If there are other steps that we can be taking to support you in the meantime, we hope that you will let us know . We look forward to hearing from you!

Best,

Kelly E. Ives, AIA

AIA Kentucky Executive Director